A bioblitz brings together expert naturalists and taxonomic scientists to inventory as many species as possible in a particular area in a set amount of time, typically over 24 hours. The species records are compiled into a single data set of the biodiversity in that location at that point in time.

Often, the experts are joined by interested members of the general public for a community-style bioblitz, which blends scientific inventory, guided educational activities and nature programming so that everyone can contribute to real science, while connecting with nature in a personally meaningful experience.

NATURALIST HEROES

Naturalist Hero: Frère Marie-Victorin (1885 - 1944)

Self-taught botanist who set out to survey the plants of French Canada. His landmarks Flore laurentienne created many of the French common names used today.

In the early 1900's, as a young teaching Brother, he immmersed himself in botany: research, reading and writing, which become his lifelong passion. Over the next decades, despite very poor health, his field explorations, his specimen collections and notes, and his published articles made him an internationally recognized botany expert. He discovered at least 50 species new to science. These years as a serious amateur were the basis of his later appointments and works.